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The young man's guide through the wilderness of this world to the heavenly Canaan…
The young man's guide through the wilderness of this world to the heavenly Canaan showing him how to carry himself Christian-like in the whole course of his life / by Tho. Gouge ...The young man's guide through the wilderness of this world to the heavenly Canaan shewing him how to carry himself Christian-like in the whole course of his life / by Tho. Gouge ...
London: printed by S. and B.G. for Nevil Simmons, 1676
THE Young Man's Guide. › Chapter 9: Containeth Directions how to live a godly and gracious Life.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
And in regard the Devil, at thy first awaking, is very watchful to take possession of thine heart, by casting in some wicked, worldly, wanton thoughts; it will be thy wisdom to prevent him, by fixing thy heart on some spiritual subject; as on God, his Word, or Works, his Providence, or Properties. Good thoughts in the Morning will so season thine heart, that thou shalt retain the favour of such a gracious beginning all the day after.
II. Direction, to a godly life.
So soon as thou art ready, before thou goest about the works of thy Calling, withdraw thy self into some private place, and there pour out thy Soul unto God by fervent and effectual prayer. Be sure to open thine heart to God, before thou open thy Shop to men. This secret prayer we find commended by Christ himself, Matth. 6. 6, When thou prayest, enter into thy Closet; and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father that is in secret, and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. And we find that what he commanded, himself practised? for Mark 1. 35. it is said, In the Morning Christ went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. How careful the servants of God have been therein, none will question, who are acquainted with the Scriptures.